파란노을 (Parannoul) - To See the Next Part of the Dream

'To See the Next Part of the Dream' is the sophomore release from South Korean shoegaze/post-rock one-piece Parannoul. Music made neath bedside lamps has never sounded so well-worked, well performed, vibrant and powerful.

Fishmans meet Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins on 'To See the Next Part of the Dream' as hazey overdriven guitars blend with pop melody and harmonies in unison. Check out penultimate track 'Chicken' for the best example of this coming together - it's reminiscent of Mayonnaise on said Siamese Dream album. There are lots of little sonic treasures buried within the mix. Under the blanket of distortion and crashing of drums are beautiful synth textures, piano patterns and care-free summer sounds. 'Analog Sentimentalism' balances the heavy and the light-hearted on its back. The driving force behind the track, the guitars and drums, are juxtaposed by heavenly pieces of playful instrumentation. It's a formula that is intrinsic to this release. Used again and again yet never really tires. It's the kind of thing that gets better with each listen. The minute details make themselves known after multiple listens and, as the cream of the crop tends to, rise to the top.

Multi-instrumentalist's are one of the wonders of the world in my eyes. The ability to access a piece of equipment and not just 'figure it out' but produce a work and tie in multiple other works in the process has always managed to boggle my mind. The average individual will struggle grasping just one instrument in a lifetime, the quality of musicianship will vary immensely also, but to become anywhere near 'good' has the potential of becoming a long and winding road. Piecing together a project of this quality on your own must take immense focus, dedication and effort.

Where Parannoul takes his sound and vision next will be of major interest. Seismic potential has been put on show with this release.